Responsibility in An Inspector Calls

Struggling to explain responsibility in An Inspector Calls? This blog breaks down how Priestley explores this key theme through characters, quotes, and structure—so you can write a top-grade essay with confidence. Want detailed analysis, exemplar paragraphs, and 50+ quotes? Head over to our An Inspector Calls Cheat Sheet to level up your revision.

 

Why Is Responsibility So Important in the Play?

Responsibility is the central moral message of An Inspector Calls. J.B. Priestley wrote the play after WWII to urge a more equal, caring society, and he uses the Inspector to challenge the selfishness of capitalism and promote collective responsibility.

The play forces the audience to ask:

• Who is responsible for Eva Smith’s death?
• Are we only responsible for ourselves—or for others too?

Priestley’s answer is clear: we are all responsible.

 

Key Characters and How They Show Responsibility

Mr Birling – Avoids Responsibility

• Believes in individualism: "A man has to mind his own business"
• Refuses to accept blame: calls the Inspector a “crank”
• Symbol of capitalist selfishness

 

Mrs Birling – Shifts Blame

• Denies any fault in Eva’s death
• Says the father of the child is “entirely to blame” (dramatic irony when it turns out to be Eric!)
• Represents the upper-class refusal to change

 

Gerald Croft – Partial Responsibility

• Admits the affair but defends his actions
• Tries to prove the Inspector is a hoax to avoid consequences
• Stuck between old and new generations

 

Sheila – Accepts Responsibility

• Admits her part in Eva’s downfall: “I know I’m to blame”
• Becomes more mature and self-aware
• Represents hope for change

 

Eric – Takes Responsibility

• Owns up to his actions: “You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to”
• Feels genuine remorse and guilt
• Symbolises the potential for moral growth

 

Inspector Goole – Mouthpiece for Responsibility

• Teaches that we are “members of one body”
• Acts as a moral judge to expose each character
• Leaves a chilling warning about ignoring responsibility

 

Key Quotes on Responsibility + Analysis

“A man has to mind his own business and look after himself.” (Birling – Act 1)
▶ Ironically interrupted by the Inspector’s arrival—symbolising Priestley’s attack on selfishness.

“I know I’m to blame – and I’m desperately sorry.” (Sheila – Act 2)
▶ Shows genuine remorse. Contrast to her parents. Priestley rewards those who accept fault.

“Each of you helped to kill her.” (Inspector – Act 3)
▶ Powerful summary. Emphasises the shared responsibility behind Eva’s death.

“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” (Inspector – Act 3)
▶ Priestley’s socialist message. The metaphor of “one body” suggests unity and shared duty.

“If men will not learn that lesson…” (Inspector – Act 3)
▶ Prophetic tone warns of war and suffering as consequences of ignoring social duty.

 

How Does Priestley Use Responsibility to Structure the Play?

The Inspector questions each character in order of responsibility—building tension and guilt

Climactic speech near the end drives home the message

The final phone call acts as a warning: the lesson wasn’t learned, and consequences follow

The audience is made to feel responsible too—this isn’t just about the Birlings

 

Grade 9 Vocabulary for Responsibility Essays

Upgrade your essay language with these powerful terms:

• Collectivism – Belief in shared responsibility for society
• Moral accountability – Being answerable for your actions
• Social conscience – Awareness of and concern for others' welfare
• Denialism – Refusing to accept guilt or blame
• Redemption – Gaining forgiveness by accepting responsibility and changing

 

Final Thoughts: What Priestley Wants Us to Learn

Priestley believed society couldn’t function if people only looked out for themselves. Through An Inspector Calls, he calls for change, empathy, and shared responsibility.

By the end, characters like Sheila and Eric offer hope, while Mr and Mrs Birling serve as warnings. The Inspector’s message is clear:

• Change, or suffer the consequences.

 

Want Full Analysis, Exemplar Paragraphs & More Quotes?

This is just a snippet of our An Inspector Calls Themes Cheat Sheet, which includes:
✅ Deep character profiles (Birling, Sheila, Inspector, and more)
✅ Grade 9 essay examples with examiner annotations
✅ Theme breakdowns + key context to boost your analysis
✅ 50+ premium quotes with advanced analysis

🚀 Upgrade your revision—download the full guide now!

 

P.S. Struggling with analysis or quotes? Our text-specific cheat sheets break down An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol, and more into Grade 9-ready notes.

 

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